Word of the Day

: November 8, 2021

demagogue

noun DEM-uh-gahg

What It Means

A demagogue is a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power.

// The country's voters ousted the demagogue who capitalized on the fears of the people.

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demagogue in Context

"You need an internal guidance system for making decisions. Without one, your choices become heavily influenced by external forces such as peers, television, and demagogues." — Tom Muha, The Capital (Annapolis, Maryland), 2 Oct. 2021

Did You Know?

When the ancient Greeks used dēmagōgos (from dēmos, meaning "people," and agein, "to lead") they meant someone good—a leader who used outstanding oratorical skills to further the interests of the common people. But alas, the word took a negative turn, suggesting one who uses powers of persuasion to sway and mislead.